Cushioning pellets based on microcrystalline cellulose - Crospovidone blends for MUPS tableting

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Compaction of multiple-unit pellet system (MUPS) tablets presents significant challenges due to potential segregation and damage from compaction forces.
• A need exists for effective cushioning agents to protect delicate pellets during the tableting process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of porous pellets, prepared using various drying techniques, as cushioning agents for MUPS tablets.
• To evaluate the impact of pellet porosity, formulation, and compaction parameters on MUPS tablet quality.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of porous cushioning pellets using freeze-drying, fluid bed drying, and oven drying.
• Characterization of pellet porosity and crushing strength.
• Preparation of MUPS tablets by blending polymer-coated pellets with cushioning pellets and compacting at varying pressures.
• Assessment of pellet coat damage and tablet tensile strength.

Main Results:

• Freeze-dried pellets exhibited the highest porosity and provided the best cushioning effect, leading to the highest tablet tensile strength.
• Pellet porosity was inversely related to crushing strength, with freeze-dried pellets showing the greatest protective effect.
• Optimal cushioning was observed with a coated pellet volume fraction of 0.21, mitigating issues like capping and lamination seen with unprocessed powders.

Conclusions:

• Porous cushioning pellets, particularly freeze-dried ones containing crospovidone, are effective in mitigating compaction-induced damage in MUPS tablets.
• The porosity of cushioning pellets is the primary factor determining their protective capability.
• These cushioning agents enable the production of high-quality MUPS tablets even at elevated compaction pressures.